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Victim Support

Victim Support is a national charity that offers practical help and emotional support to anyone affected by crime.

The police will pass on your details to Victim Support if you report crimes such as:

• burglary
• serious criminal damage
• arson (if your property or belongings have been set on fire)
• racial harassment
• assault

If you don't want this to happen, tell the police officer dealing with your case.

They won't pass on your details in cases of domestic violence, sexual offences or homicide (killing). This is to protect your privacy. They also won't pass on your details if the crime is 'low level'. For example, in cases of car theft or minor criminal damage.

However, you can always get in touch with Victim Support yourself if you want.

Victim Support can give you help for free, even if the crime happened a long time ago or if you haven't reported it to the police.

Practical advice and emotional support

Victim Support volunteers are trained to give you practical advice, like where to get your locks changed. If you found the crime distressing, they can also provide emotional support.

You can get:

• someone you can talk to in complete confidence
• advice on your rights
• information on what to expect from the police and the courts
• advice on compensation and insurance
• counselling to deal with what you’ve been through

If you need more specialised advice or support, Victim Support will be able to refer you to a more suitable organisation.

Contact Victim Support

In England and Wales, call Victim Support on 0845 30 30 900. The line is open 9 am to 9 pm weekdays and 9 am to 7 pm weekends. It's also open 9 am to 5 pm on bank holidays. 

In Scotland, you can call Victim Support on 0845 603 9213. The line is open 9 am to 4.30 pm Monday to Thursday amd 9 am to 4 pm on Fridays.

In Northern Ireland, the number is 028 9024 4039.

• Victim Support for England and Wales Opens new window

• Victim Support Scotland Opens new window

• Victim Support Northern Ireland Opens new window

Extra support for people bereaved by murder and manslaughter

If a family member or friend has been killed as a result of a crime, you may be able to get extra support.

It's called the National Victims' Service homicide scheme and is a partnership with Victim Support. It's available to anyone in England and Wales.

The scheme means that your police family liaison officer will put you in touch with a dedicated caseworker. The caseworker will help you with things like:

• arranging counselling if you want it
• contacting employers and schools
• arranging help you might need at home (like cleaning services if the crime happened in your home)
• helping with funeral arrangements
• getting any legal advice you may need

The same caseworker will help you through police investigations and any inquests or trials you need to go to. You can stay in touch with them for as long as you want - even after a trial has finished.

They will always be available during office hours. But if you need help at other times, there will always be someone you can speak to on the phone.

If you don’t automatically get a caseworker, ask your family liaison officer about getting extra help.

Further help for victims of crime

Along with Victim Support, there are many groups that can offer you help and support.

For example, Woman's Aid provides a domestic violence helpline. And The Survivors Trust can help if you've been a victim of sexual abuse. Or if you need financial or legal advice, your local Citizens Advice Bureau can help.

Follow the link below for a list of support groups for victims.

• Support for victims of crime - contacts